BMS Initiates Global Alliance Focused on Immuno-Oncology

Firm joins 10 research institutes to advance knowledge on how the immune system fights cancer.!--h2>

Bristol-Myers Squibb has formed the International Immuno-Oncology Network (II-ON), a global collaboration between industry and academia. Immuno-oncology focuses on the potential of harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.

The role of immuno-oncology in cancer research is growing and in 2011 the concept of “evading immune destruction” was added to the “Hallmarks of Cancer,” a widely referenced peer-reviewed article outlining traits that are believed to be the underlying principles of cancer.

An objective of this collaborative forum is to facilitate the translation of scientific research findings into clinical trials and, eventually, clinical practice. It will also work to further advance innovation in drug discovery and development.